Looks like you were right Mike. I heated the cup end of the mock up rod, and pulled out the cup .200. Let it cool down....threw it in there at TDC and it looks like I will have plenty of clearance. Obviously I couldn't turn it over with that rod, but it looks good. Ordered 3/8 , .120 wall rods 7.700. Done.
Won't make the dyno Wednesday, but it's coming soon!